Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Charles Dickens - Let's Celebrate!

2012 is a banner year for Charles Dickens, as the English-speaking world celebrates the 200th anniversary of his birth. I've been a fan of Dickens since I was a teenager. I loved the way that the virtuous young protagonists of his novels ultimately prevailed; I found his ability to weave together the fraught lives of a vast scrum of vivid characters compelling; and, of course, the brisk pace of his storytelling (Dickens published most of his novels in serial installments, typically with cliffhanger endings) prompted me to race to the end of each of his books, not even aware of their many pages.

It's surprising to me, therefore, that many readers these days are reluctant to try Dickens; perhaps they are daunted by the length of his books.  A look at his work as presented on the small screen, however, might persuade some to pick up his novels. The BBC has spent the last thirty-plus years adapting one Dickens masterpiece after another for television, including the superb Bleak House (2005), Little Dorrit (2008), Nicholas Nickleby (2000), and my favorite, Our Mutual Friend (1998). Two more (Great Expectations and The Mystery of Edwin Drood) are coming to the TV screen in 2012.


But the way you experience his work doesn't really matter. Whether you read, watch - or listen to* - Mr. Dickens' tales, your time will be well rewarded.

And how will I observe his milestone birthday? I am finally going to read a biography of Dickens, whose life story is reputed to be as compelling as his fiction!

Mary Hoskinson-Dean

*Click here for a list of the library's collection of Dickens books, audiobooks and video adaptations

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Book Groups Seek Book

In a book group with lots of avid readers who would think there would be that moment of silence when not one member has an idea for the next book to read … or worse there are too many ideas.  As the librarian in my group, I sometimes want to hide because eyes turn to me.  When that happens, I pull out my secret weapons, suggestions from three favorite websites for book lovers.   Avoid that awkward moment at your next meeting.  Come armed with suggestions from one of these sites:


Reading Group Choices is one of the oldest websites for book lovers and just seems to get better with age.  If food is a big part of your groups reason for meeting don’t miss the  food by the book link
MostlyFiction is fueled by its contributors and often has reviews of books just released.  There are great links to past reviews  

Reading Group Guides – Launched by an avid reader this site has grown to include over 3500 guides.  Check out their advice on how to run an effective group

Still need suggestions or want a reading guide prepared for you contact me - Beth@marktwainlibrary.org

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Great Reads by Genre Picked

Every year the Reading List Council, a group of librarians considered the most expert at providing advice to readers about the best books published in a calendar year develops a list of Best Books by Genres.
Here's a list that the Mark Twain Library has culled from that list with special interest for our Redding Readers.  Enjoy! Be sure to let the Mark Twain Library staff if you agree with the experts.